While Halloween can be a very fun holiday, it can also be stressful and dangerous for your pets. Stresses and Dangers Pets are often stressed by the repeated ringing of the doorbell, knocking on the door, the chaotic noises that follow the children, and some are frightened by the costumes. To reduce these stresses keep…

One of the most common aliments seen in pets is arthritis. Arthritis is a progressive and degenerative condition that affects one or more joints. Symptoms Our pets are often very stoic, making it difficult to tell when they are hurting. Arthritis affects the joints making certain movements and positions very painful. Also areas near the…

Just like people, pets live longer and suffer less health impacts when they are a healthy weight Quick Check There are two quick ways to check if your pet is a healthy weight. The first is a visual check. Standing over your pet and looking down on them, you should be able to see a…

The word “rabies” is enough to strike fear in most people. While rabies is a deadly virus it is also preventable. How Does My Cat or Dog Get Rabies Rabies is most commonly passed through the saliva secretions from an infected animal. The virus is passed when the virus-laden saliva makes contact with the mucus…

Having a dog is more than providing a yard rope, food and water. Responsible dog ownership is a big responsibility. Considerations Before Committing Owning a dog is a serious long-term commitment. Depending on the breed you can expect to have your dog between 10 and 16 years. You will need to commit financial resources to…

When preparing for a disaster evacuation plans focus on the “5 P’s”: People, Pets, Prescriptions, Pictures, and Papers. How do you prepare for disaster for your pet? How to Get Prepared It is impossible to image the chaos and ensuing confusion that comes during an evacuation unless you have had the experience. Anything that you…

There are some pet care issues that can be addressed with a holistic approach. What is Holistic Pet Care? Holistic pet care is the consideration of the pet as a whole including physical, emotional, and social well-being. Holistic care is a combination of traditional and non-traditional remedies. As with every modality of care for our…

Just like us, our pets are exposed to a myriad of diseases everywhere they go. Immunizations are a critical link to your pet’s health and longevity. What Does It Mean to Immunize My Pet? The immunization of a pet is the process of vaccinating the pet against one or more potentially debilitating and potentially lethal…

Established by Colleen Paige in 2005 National Mutt Day has a goal of rescuing 10,000 mixed breed dogs from euthanasia every July 31st and December 2nd. What is a Mutt? A mutt is simply a mixed breed dog. Sometimes it is easy to spot the traits of the original parentage in the head shape or…

Reduce your stress and the stresses of your pet by having the doctor come to you. Main Benefits Many pets have a high level of anxiety with the process of visiting a veterinarian’s office. The stress points often include the car ride, the strange people and animals in the waiting room, and the unfamiliar sights,…

Originally intended to focus on our human relationships National Doghouse Repairs Month has changed to include bringing awareness to our best friends outside abode. How Did This Really Start? In 2000 Heidi Richards Mooney, a Social Media Consultant, Publisher of WE Magazine for Women, and holder of many significant honors, started National Doghouse Repairs Month…

Don’t Play with Matches Pets without an opposing thumb (this would include all cats, dogs, guinea pigs, hamsters, pot bellied pigs, etc.) are physically unable to play with matches. However they can all be like children, active and curious. There are many stories of cats and dogs starting accidental fires. As unbelievable as it is…

The fourth of July brings BBQ, camping, family outings, and fireworks. While we might look forward to the lights and sounds of the fireworks, they terrify many pets. Potential Safety Issues Noise phobia, the fear of loud noises, is a common ailment for pets. Whether it be a gunshot, thunder, or fireworks, the sharp and…

Created in 1999 by Pet Sitters International (PSI), Take Your Dog To Work Day (TYDTWDay) is an annual event set for the first Friday after Fathers Day. Why Take Your Dog to Work? Research supports the notion that employees that take their dog to work have both lower absenteeism and stress levels, while demonstrating higher…

Our dogs all have their quirks. When our furry friends’ quirks become problematic behaviors that create a threat to the dog, our family, others, or property there is a behavioral issue that needs to be addressed. Types of Behavioral Issues Behavioral issues are most commonly found in the following areas: Aggression – Aggression issues include mouthing,…

Like people, pets are subject to a wide variety of allergies. The big difference is that we can usually identify our symptoms, ask for help, and resolve the issues, while our pets rely on us to figure out what is wrong and how to help. Spotting the Symptoms Our first challenge is to be able…